Abstract The objective of the study was to determine whether Parkia platycephala families with superior morphophysiological traits perform consistently across four stages of early development (plantlets, seedlings, and juveniles at 34 and 60 months), as a means to assess the possibility of conducting pre-selection. For 21 morphophysiological traits, the following genetic parameters were estimated: heritability, coefficients of variation (genetic, relative, and environmental), accuracy, genetic and phenotypic correlation, percentage of coincidence (PC) of the best families, effective population size, and inbreeding in three progeny tests conducted under laboratory, nursery, and field conditions. Families of P. platycephala showed significant phenotypic and genotypic differences. The traits evaluated show genetic control. The percentage of coincidence between the best families was more accurate when the selection intensity was greater than 50% (PC ≥ 52%). Based on the evaluated traits, a pre-selection strategy at the juvenile stage for P. platycephala was researched to effectively identify superior families.

ABSTRACT Parkia platycephala, known commonly as faveira, is a native species that occurs widely throughout Brazil and has high nutritional value and ecological potential. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability in a P. platycephala provenance and progeny test. The test was established using a randomized block design, with 45 progenies from three provenances. The evaluated quantitative traits included height (HEI), diameter at ground level (DGL), and diameter below the first bifurcation (DFB). The data were submitted to Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (REML/BLUP) analysis, from which estimates of genetic parameters, genetic correlations, BLUPs, genetic gains, and effective population size were obtained. Estimates of individual narrow sense heritability ( h a 2) and within progeny heritability ( h w 2) ranged from low to moderate (0.01 a 0.39), with the highest values observed for DGL (0.32 and 0.39, respectively). The coefficient of individual variation (CVgi(%)) and between progeny genetic variation (CVgp(%)) indicate the existence of genetic variability between and within provenances. The FSTvalues demonstrate low to moderate genetic differentiation among the three populations, and genetic correlations between traits were all positive and significant. The results obtained show that there is genetic variability between the studied provenances and progenies. This ensures not only the ex situ conservation of the species, but it can also be exploited in breeding programs.

RESUMO Parkia platycephala, popularmente conhecida como faveira, é uma espécie nativa que ocorre amplamente em todo o Brasil e possui alto valor nutricional e potencial ecológico. Objetivou-se com o trabalho estimar a variabilidade genética em teste de procedências e progênies de P. platycephala. O teste foi instalado em blocos casualizados, com 45 progênies de três procedências. Os caracteres quantitativos avaliados foram: altura (ALT), diâmetro a nível do solo (DNS) e diâmetro a altura da primeira bifurcação (DAB) das plantas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de REML/BLUP, a partir da qual foram obtidas as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos, correlações genéticas, os BLUP’s, ganhos genéticos e tamanho efetivo populacional. As estimativas de herdabilidade individual no sentido restrito ( h a 2) e dentro progênies ( h w 2) variaram de baixa a moderada (0,01 a 0,39), sendo os maiores valores observados para o caractere DNS (0,32 e 0,39, respectivamente). Os valores de coeficiente de variação genética individual CVgi(%)) e entre progênies (CVgp(%)) indicam existência de variabilidade genética entre e dentro de população. Os valores de FSTdemonstraram baixa a moderada diferenciação genética entre as três populações. As correlações genéticas entre os caracteres foram todas positivas e significativas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que há variabilidade genética entre as procedências e progênies estudadas. Isso garante não só a conservação ex situ da espécie, como também pode ser explorada em programas de melhoramento

RESUMO A perda da variabilidade genética de populações naturais implica negativamente no processo adaptativo e evolutivo das espécies. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar a variabilidade genética existente entre e dentro de populações naturais de P. platycephala, a partir de caracteres biométricos de frutos e sementes e fisiológicos de sementes e plântulas, e assim, verificar o potencial para seleção de árvores matrizes e indicar áreas para coleta e uso de sementes, como também gerar subsídios para conservação e pré-melhoramento genético da espécie. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 45 tratamentos (progênies) e quatro repetições de 25 sementes cada. As progênies foram avaliadas em laboratório, a partir de sementes coletadas de 45 matrizes amostradas em três populações naturais. Para tanto, avaliou-se os seguintes caracteres: porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, tempo médio de germinação, comprimento de parte aérea e raiz principal, massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular de plântulas. Os dados foram submetidos a análise RELM/BLUP para estimativa dos parâmetros genéticos, correlações e análises de divergência genética (UPGMA). As populações apresentam diferenças genéticas entre si, e variação significativa entre progênies para todos os caracteres avaliados, sendo maior a variação dentro do que entre populações. Os caracteres avaliados apresentam alto controle genético, portanto, estes podem ser utilizados na análise da variabilidade genética de populações e progênies de P. platycephala, auxiliando assim na identificação de áreas para a coleta de sementes, programas de conservação e pré-melhoramento genético da espécie.

ABSTRACT Loss of genetic variability in natural populations affects negatively the adaptive and evolutive process of plant species. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the existing genetic variability between and within natural populations of P. platycephala, using biometric characters of fruits and seeds and physiological characters of seeds and seedlings, and, thus, assess the potential for selection of mother trees, indicate areas for seed collection and use, and generate support for conservation and pre-breeding of plant species. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with 45 treatments (progenies) and four replications of 25 seeds. The progenies were evaluated in laboratory, using seeds collected from 45 mother trees sampled in three natural populations. The following characters were evaluated: seed germination percentage, germination speed index, and mean germination time; shoot and main root lengths; and seedling shoot and root dry weights. The data were subjected to RELM/BLUP analysis for estimating genetic parameters and correlations and to analyses of genetic divergence (UPGMA). The populations present genetic differences to each other and a significant variation between progenies for all characters evaluated, and the variation was greater within the populations. The characters evaluated present high genetic control; therefore, they can be used in analysis of genetic variability of populations and progenies of P. platycephala, thus assisting in the identification of areas for seed collection, conservation programs, and pre-breeding of the species.

ABSTRACT Background: The conservation and restoration of forest landscapes is an important aspect of sustainable development. In semi-arid regions these practices are difficulted by the harsh climate of these environments, with low precipitation values and prolonged dry seasons. The objective of this study is to identify tree species from the south of the Brazilian state of Piauí that have potential to be used in forest restoration programs. Results: Data from forest inventory and tree characteristics were used to select eight tree species using target species definition, focusing on species with desirable wood properties, abundance in the study region, favorable dendrometric variables, seed availability, ease of seed germination and seedling growth in nursery and field conditions, among others. These species were then evaluated as candidates for restoration using a framework species approach focusing on the following attributes: (i) 70% or higher seedling survival in the field; (ii) seedling height of 45 cm or taller after the first growing season in the field and (iii) 70% or greater nursery seedling survival. Conclusion: The species Combretum glaucocarpum, Cenostigma macrophyllum, and Pityrocarpa moniliformis are suitable to be employed in forest restoration programs in the southern region of Piauí, Brazil. Further studies must be carried out to assess the behavior of these and other potential tree species in long term field conditions and under varying silvicultural regimes, a key aspect for forest restoration.

ABSTRACT Parkia platycephala Benth. (Fava-de-bolota) found in areas of Cerrado-Caatinga transition, is a species with potential for feeding ruminants in arid regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the initial growth and nutrition of P. platycephala Benth. seedlings under water stress. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme with five replications, consisting of two water regime conditions (with and without stress), four AMF strains (Gigaspora rosea, Gigaspora margarita, Acaulospora koskei, and Acaulospora morrowiae), one treatment with associated inoculum (Mix), and one control. At 120 days after sowing, the morphological variables height (H), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), root length (RL), total root volume (TRV), shoot dry mass (SDM), root dry mass (SDM) and total dry mass (TDM) were evaluated. Nutrient contents and mycorrhizal colonization rate were also evaluated. The variables NL, SDM and TDM presented significant interaction between inoculation with the fungi and the studied water conditions. For the contents of P, Mg and Mn there was also interaction, being the best results with the strains A. koskei, Mix, A. morrowiae and control, respectively, in the condition without water stress. Mycorrhizal fungi favored plant growth as well as the absorption of P, Mg, Mn and Zn.

ABSTRACT Water is considered the most important environmental resource for the germination process. This study aimed to evaluate the germination performance of Parkia platycephala seeds under different conditions of water and saline stress. Seed germination was tested with solutions of poly (ethylene glycol) 6000 and sodium chloride (NaCl) at seven osmotic potentials [0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, and -1.2MPa (megapascal)] and four replicates with 25 seeds in a completely randomized design, simulating the water and saline stress levels, respectively. The following seedling variables were evaluated: germination percentage, germination speed index, length, and dry mass. Results showed significant interaction between the agent and the osmotic potential for all evaluated variables. P. platycephala seeds presented higher tolerance to saline stress simulated by NaCl than to water stress, showing germination performance appropriate for glycophyte plants.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com a realização deste estudo determinar as condições mais adequadas de temperatura e substrato para germinação e desempenho de plântulas de Albizia niopoides. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 10x7 (oito temperaturas constantes de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40°C e duas alternadas 20-30 e 25-35°C e sete substratos: papel tolha, vermiculita, areia, papel mata borrão, pó de coco, bagaço de cana e tropstrato®), com quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: percentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de parte aérea e raiz primária e massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular. Houve interação significativa dos fatores testados para as todas as variáveis analisadas. As sementes de A. niopoides germinam em uma ampla faixa de temperatura, com limite mínimo e máximo nas temperaturas de 10 e 40°C, respectivamente. As temperaturas alternadas de 20-30°C e 25-35 °C com o substrato areia são condições ideais para germinação e desempenho de plântulas de A. niopoides.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the most appropriate conditions of temperature and substrate for germination and performance of A. niopoides seedlings. The design was completely randomized in 10x7 factorial arrangement (eight constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C and two alternating temperatures of 20-30 and 25-35°C, and seven substrates, that are paper towel, vermiculite, sand, blotting paper, coir dust, sugarcane bagasse, and tropstrato®) with four replicates of 25 seeds. The following variables were analyzed: (1) germination percentage; (2) germination speed index; (3) shoot length and primary root; and (4) dry weight of shoot and of root system. There was a significant interaction among the tested factors for all variables. The A. niopoides seeds germinate under a wide temperature range, with minimum and maximum limit at 10 and 40°C temperatures, respectively. Alternating temperatures of 20-30 and 25-35°C with sand substrate are ideal conditions for germination and performance of A. niopoides seedlings.

RESUMO Conhecida popularmente como fava de bolota, a Parkia platycephala Benth. pertence a família Fabaceae, ocorre em áreas de transição Caatinga-Cerrado e apresenta grande potencial madeireiro, paisagístico e, principalmente, forrageiro. O objetivo da pesquisa é fornecer informações para a elaboração de protocolos de testes de germinação de sementes e vigor de plântulas de P. platycephala, submetidas a diferentes subtratos e temperaturas. Para avaliar o efeito do substrato e da temperatura, as sementes foram semeadas entre os substratos: vermiculita, areia, pó de coco, bagaço da cana-de-açúcar, tropstrato®, papel (RP), marca Germitest e papel mata-borrão, distribuídas em caixas plásticas transparentes, todos sob luz contínua em germinador tipo Biochemical oxygen Demand (B.O.D.), com temperaturas constantes de 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30; 35 e 40 °C, e temperaturas alternadas de 20-30 ºC e 25-35 ºC. Foram avaliadas as variáveis germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, tempo médio da germinação, comprimento da raiz primária e da parte aérea, e massa seca da raiz primária e da parte aérea. A temperatura alternada de 25-35 °C combinada com o substrato vermiculita é recomendada para realização de testes de germinação e vigor de P. platycephala.

ABSTRACT Parkia platycephala Benth., known locally as Fava de Bolota, belongs to the Fabaceae family and occurs in areas of Caatinga-Cerrado transition, having great potential for use as timber, in landscaping and mainly as forage. The aim of this research was to provide information for the preparation of test protocols for seed germination and seedling vigour in P. platycephala submitted to different substrates and temperatures. To evaluate the effect of substrate and temperature, the seeds were sown on the following substrates: vermiculite, sand, powdered coconut, sugarcane bagasse, tropstrato®, Germitest paper (RP) and blotting paper, distributed in transparent plastic boxes under continuous lighting in a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) germinator at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C, and alternating temperatures of 20-30 °C and 25-35 °C. The variables under evaluation were germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, primary root and shoot length and primary root and shoot dry weight. The alternating temperature of 25-35 °C combined with vermiculite is recommended for performing tests of germination and vigour in P. platycephala.

RESUMO Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a influência da heterogeneidade espacial dos fatores abióticos sobre os padrões espaciais da estrutura da vegetação do componente lenhoso e sua regeneração em uma área de caatinga, no sertão de Pernambuco. O estudo foi realizado em uma área de caatinga localizada no Parque Estadual da Mata da Pimenteira, município de Serra Talhada, Pernambuco. A amostragem foi dividida em dois ambientes, um próximo ao curso d'água com vegetação mais densa (I) e outro a 100 m do curso d'água com vegetação mais aberta (II). Em cada ambiente foram instaladas quatro parcelas permanentes de 20 × 50 m subdivididas em 10 parcelas de 10 × 10 m, nas quais foram medidos os indivíduos vivos com diâmetro do caule ao nível do solo (DNS) ≥ 3 cm e altura total ≥ 1 m. Em um dos vértices de cada parcela foi plotada uma subparcela de 2 × 2 m para medir a altura e o diâmetro dos indivíduos das espécies amostradas no componente lenhoso com DNS entre 0,5 e 2,9 cm (regeneração). Foram calculados os descritores fitossociológicos gerais da comunidade dos diferentes ambientes e avaliada a distribuição de indivíduos em histogramas, tanto do componente lenhoso como para a regeneração. Após verificação da normalidade pelo teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, os valores dos descritores fitossociológicos por parcela foram comparados entre os ambientes. Nos dados com distribuição normal, foi empregada a análise de variância (ANOVA) de um critério. Dados sem distribuição normal foram analisados pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. Os ambientes apresentaram diferenças significativas quanto ao número de indivíduos (4047,5 versus 3332,5 ind.ha-1) e área basal (23,6 versus 17,6 m2. ha-1), com valores significativamente superiores no ambiente I, padrão oposto ao da regeneração em que o número de indivíduos e a área basal foram maiores no ambiente II (9187,5 versus 10937,5 ind.ha-1) e (1,9 versus 2,5 m2. ha-1), respectivamente. No total foram amostradas 50 espécies (incluindo o componente arbóreo e regenerante), havendo diferenças significativas em termos de diversidade entre os ambientes nos diferentes estratos, embora a similaridade seja superior a 80%. A maioria das variáveis químicas e texturais dos solos não diferiram estatisticamente, com exceção dos teores de Al3+ que apresentou teores superiores no ambiente I. Das demais variáveis edáficas, apenas a pedregosidade diferiu entre os ambientes I e II (3,87 versus 1,47%). A distinção fisionômica da vegetação entre os ambientes é resultado da presença de populações com indivíduos de maiores alturas e diâmetros no ambiente I. A heterogeneidade espacial das variáveis ambientais encontrada nos ambientes estudados, explicou parte das variações das características florístico-estrutural da vegetação.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the influence of spatial heterogeneity of abiotic factors on the spatial patterns of vegetation structure of the woody component and of its regeneration; it was carried out in an area of "caatinga" located in the Parque Estadual Mata of Pimenteira, municipality of "Serra Talhada", interior of Pernambuco State, Brazil. The sample was divided into two environments, one near the watercourse with denser vegetation (I) and another at 100 meters away from the watercourse with more open vegetation (II). In each environment, four permanent plots of 20×50 m were installed and divided into ten plots of 10×10 m; alive individuals with stem ground level diameter (GD) of ≥3 cm and total height of ≥1 m were measured. In one corner of each plot, a sub-plot of 2×2 m was allocated to measure the individuals' height and diameter of the sampled species in woody component with GD from 0.5 to 2.9 cm (regeneration). Community's general phytosociological descriptors of the different environments were calculated and the individuals' distribution in histograms was evaluated for the woody component as for regeneration. After testing for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, values of phytosociological descriptors per plot were compared between the environments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of a criterion was used for data with normal distribution. Data without normal distribution were analyzed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Environments showed significant differences in the number of individuals (4047.5 versus 3332.5 ind.ha-1) and basal area (23.6 versus 17.6 m2. ha-1) with significantly higher values in environment I; this pattern was opposite to the regenerating pattern in which the number of individuals and basal area were higher in the environment II (9187.5 vs. 10937.5 ind.ha-1 and 1.9 vs. 2.5 m2.ha-1, respectively). In total, fifty species, including woody and regenerating component, were sampled; significant differences in diversity were found between environments in the different strata, although the similarity was more than 80%. Most chemical and textural soil variables did not differ statistically, except for levels of Al3+, which showed higher levels in the environment I. Among other edaphic variables, only the stony variables differed between environments I and II (3.87 versus 1.47%). The vegetation physiognomic distinction between the environments is result from populations' presence of individuals with greater heights and diameters in the environment I. The spatial heterogeneity of environmental variables found in the studied environments explained part of changes in floristic and structural characteristics of the vegetation.

A salinidade é um dos fatores que mais limitam o crescimento e desenvolvimento de plantas na região semiárida. A sobrevivência destas em ambientes salinos dependerá de processos adaptativos, que envolvem absorção, transporte e distribuição de íons nos vários órgãos da planta. Com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento e a nutrição mineral de mudas de gliricídia cultivada em diferentes condições de salinidade, realizou-se um experimento em telado de náilon da Unidade Acadêmica de Engenharia Florestal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos - PB. As sementes foram colocadas para germinar em vasos de Leonard, contendo solução nutritiva de Hoagland & Arnon (50 % da concentração original), com as concentrações de NaCl: 0, 100 200 e 400 mmol L-1. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, com uma planta por vaso. Aos 60 dias após a emergência, as plantas foram colhidas e avaliadas quanto a altura, matéria seca e teores de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S e Na na raiz, no caule e nas folhas. O aumento da salinidade promoveu reduções no crescimento e nos teores de macronutrientes, ocorrendo o inverso nos teores de Na, sobretudo na raiz. A gliricídia mostrou-se sensível à salinidade.

Salinity is one of the most limiting factors to plant growth and development. Plant survival in saline environments depends on adaptive processes involving uptake, transport, and distribution of ions in plant organs. To evaluate growth and mineral nutrition of Gliricidia sepium seedlings under saline conditions, an experiment was carried out under nylon-mesh protection, at the Federal University of Campina Grande, in Patos - PB. Seeds were sown in pots containing Hoagland & Arnon nutrient solution with four NaCl levels (0, 100, 200 and 400 mmol L-1), with four replications (1 plant/pot) in a completely randomized design. Sixty days after seedling emergence, the plant height and root, stem and leaf dry matter, and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Na) accumulation were measured in the plant tissues. All variables but Na were negatively affected by increasing NaCl levels in the nutrient solution, particularly in the root tissue. Results indicated the sensitivity of Gliricidia sepium to salinity.